build over time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build over time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a process of gradual development or accumulation of something, such as skills, knowledge, or relationships. Example: "The team's trust and collaboration will build over time as they work together on various projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Start slowly and build over time.

Columbia University

They said the effects of such measures would build over time.

The New York Times

The stress, frustration and weariness that come with any job — even one you enjoy — inevitably build over time.

The New York Times

As a result, you waste less money -- if you never see it, you can't fritter it away -- and you give it a better chance to build over time.

The New York Times

While an escalation of the Sino-American conflict would hinder global growth, a continuation of the current truce via a deal on trade would reassure markets, even as the two countries' geopolitical and technology rivalry continues to build over time.

The Guardian - Business

The penalties for not filing are steep (if you owe money) and build over time.

Forbes

IMP has a vertical family structure that at ACCE will build over time.

Johns Hopkins University

The first year of the center has been a great success and we expect the activity to continue to build over time.

University of Chicago

Betting on yourself, and being willing to push through the results even when they are scary, is a muscle that you build over time.

Forbes

The confidence of quality that the customers' gain from their appliance choice is something that Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove intend to engender and build over time.

Forbes

This would enable you to still share in the growing value of the company that you have all worked so hard to build over time.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal context, ensure that using "build over time" accurately reflects the gradual nature of development or accumulation you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "build over time" when describing sudden or immediate changes. Ensure the context clearly indicates a process that unfolds incrementally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build over time" functions as a verb phrase, often used to describe the gradual development, accumulation, or construction of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, such as building relationships, skills, or financial assets.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "build over time" is a versatile phrase used to describe gradual development or accumulation. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable, particularly in news, academic, and scientific contexts. The phrase effectively conveys that progress is achieved incrementally through sustained effort. When writing, remember that while "build over time" is appropriate for formal and neutral registers, it should accurately reflect the gradual nature of the process. Alternatives such as "develop progressively" or "accumulate gradually" can provide nuanced variations in meaning, enhancing precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Develop progressively

Highlights the step-by-step advancement or evolution.

Grow consistently

Highlights the continuous and uniform increase.

Accumulate gradually

Focuses on the incremental increase of something over a period.

Form gradually

Emphasizes the slow emergence or creation of something.

Evolve steadily

Implies a continuous and gradual transformation.

Mature incrementally

Suggests a slow process of growth and improvement.

Compile steadily

Suggests gathering or collecting something methodically over time.

Amass bit by bit

Focuses on accumulating something in small increments.

Construct sequentially

Emphasizes building something in a step-by-step manner.

Accrue in stages

Highlights the accumulation occurring in distinct phases.

FAQs

How can I use "build over time" in a sentence?

You can use "build over time" to describe a gradual process, such as "Trust between team members will "build over time" as they collaborate on projects".

What are some alternatives to "build over time"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "develop progressively", "accumulate gradually", or "evolve steadily" instead of "build over time".

Is it better to say "built over time" or "build over time"?

The choice between "built over time" and "build over time" depends on the tense of the sentence. Use "built over time" for past tense constructions and "build over time" for future or general statements.

How does "build over time" differ from "build up over time"?

"Build over time" implies a gradual construction or development, while "build up over time" suggests an accumulation of something, often leading to an increase in quantity or intensity.